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How Children Learn A Second Language
How Children Learn A Second Language
How Children Learn A Second Language
By Linda Halgunseth Diversity in Education Special Edition Contributor In the 1970s, my early childhood provider advised my immigrant Mexican American mother to stop speaking Spanish with me at home. They were concerned because, as a 2 year old, I was not as verbal as my peers. Worried that she was causing me harm, my mother immediately stopped speaking to me in Spanish. I was not alone in this experience. Back then, it was a common assumption that exposure to more than one language would confuse young children and could lead to developmental delays (Espinosa, 2008; Tabors, 2008). Research on dual language development has grown substantially since the 1970s. Information on the dual language process and the numerous benefits for young children is now more readily available. My experience and the experience of many other children of immigrants highlight the importance of providing parents with up-to-date, high quality research so they can make the best decisions for their children.
term positive cognitive outcomes for children (Bialystok 2001, Mechelli et al., 2004; Kovelman, Baker, & Petitto, 2006).
References
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Halgunseth, LInda. "How Children Learn a Second Language." Education.com. Web. 15 Nov. 2011. <http://www.education.com/reference/article/how-children-learn-second-language/>.